The Crown Inn, Gillingham

A traditional roadside inn which has been extended and modernised, though not very well as the circulation is unusual.  The car park is the other side of the road, and there is a small amount of outside seating.  The interior consists of a small saloon bar in a single story extension at the front, which hides the old building’s character, and a second, much larger lounge bar area with a woodburner and a TV screen in the original main building formed from the original rooms; stone columns show where the supporting walls were.  At the back is a large games room, wooden floored, with a skittle alley, pool table and gaming machines.  The welcome we received was lukewarm, firstly from an apathetic landlady who appeared to want to be somewhere else, then a landlord who seemed rather tired of life in general.  The bar counter, which served both bars, had 2 handpumps, but only one ale on, Tribute, which was in good condition and enjoyable.  They offer ‘Wine of the Week’ deals, but these aren’t that spectacular.  Food was home made, advertised on a specials board and appeared good value.  We didn’t feel terribly welcome here, and given that they don’t open at lunchtimes during the week, I don’t feel the need to rush back, though I’d be happy to have a pint here if staying in the village.